A Chronicle of the Age of Consequences __________________________________ 112
superiority for back enders. Rather, I think it illustrates how we came to this moment in time partly. Front enders, such as Clinton and Bush, had an important hand, pro and con, in creating the challenges we all face today. Back enders will have a big role to play as well, but in a significantly different way. That's because we will eventually assume the reins of power and influence and hold them well into the Age of Consequences (one – Mr. Obama – will assume power very shortly). And the dynamic tension between these two half-generations will continue to shape a great deal of current history, I believe.
Our current predicament has many sources and is not simply the inevitable result of a human imperative to dominate the planet, abetted by technology and fueled by cheap oil. It is also the product of specific historical forces, including the mighty impact of the Baby Boom generation. Front enders, such as George W. Bush, will leave a lasting legacy that has as much to do with his age as it does with his politics. The same will probably be said of Barack Obama. Together, they create important book ends to a momentous period of rapid change in American history. What happens next is anyone's guess.
But I can't wait to find out.
